UFC Fight Night 33: Main Card Predictions

Julie Kedzie (16-12) vs. Bethe Correia (7-0)

On paper, it seems like Correia should have this bout in the bag. After all, she’s unbeaten while Kedzie is on a three-fight losing streak. However, Correia has yet to face an opponent with Kedzie’s resume, and beyond that she’s only finished a single foe despite having seven instances of success. Meanwhile, Kedzie has faced some of the sport’s top females and been competitive in most match-ups (if not victorious). She isn’t explosive either but her experience and overall ability should be enough carry her to a win. / PREDICTION: Julie Kedzie def. Bethe Correia via Unanimous Decision (PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

Dylan Andrews (17-4) vs. Clint Hester (8-3)

Hester’s hands are as dangerous as they come at 185 pounds but the former professional boxer is still raw. Fortunately, he’s had more than six months to prepare for his follow-up to a knockout win over Bristol Marunde last April. That being said, Andrews looked surprisingly sharp despite being the last pick on TUF 17. He’s scored two strike-based stoppages in the Octagon since the show and is more likely to be submitted than KO’d based on the toughness he’s exhibited in the past. Look for him to close the distance to prevent Hester from teeing off, possibly delivering shots from the clinch and eventually above after securing a takedown or two. If his BJJ was a little better he’d probably end up securing a tap-out but, based on its mediocrity, expect things to go the distance unless Hester gasses out in the second. / PREDICTION: Dylan Andrews def. Clint Hester via Unanimous Decision (PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Soa Palelei (19-3) vs. Pat Barry (8-6)

It’s nearly impossible to root against a guy like Barry. He’s funny, insightful, and comes to fight every single time. Unfortunately, his overall ability doesn’t line up with his personality or passion. His chin is sketchy after years of eating shots as a kickboxer and aggressive striker, and his ground game is still in the process of developing despite him being 34 years old. Meanwhile, Palelei has been hot over the past few years, racking up nine straight wins with TKOs in each. His size and power should prove to be too much for Barry unless “HD” can land a sleep-inducing shot right off the bat. / PREDICTION: Soa Palelei def. Pat Barry via TKO (PHOTO CREDIT: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)

Ryan Bader (15-4) vs. Anthony Perosh (14-7)

Perosh surprised fans with his fourteen-second starching of Vinny Magalhaes in early August and he was 3-1 in four UFC fights prior to the win. Still, repeating the feat against Bader is easier said than done. Though “Darth” isn’t especially durable, his takedowns are top notch and he’s got knockout power to back up his ground attack. He should be able to make quick work of his 41-year old adversary, either blasting him early with a stiff blow or putting him on the mat and finding a finish. / PREDICTION: Ryan Bader def. Anthony Perosh via TKO (PHOTO CREDIT: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

Mauricio Rua (21-8) vs. James Te Huna (16-6)

There’s been plenty of talk about Rua’s bleak future including UFC President Dana White recently stating he wanted to see “Shogun” at 185 pounds or permanently sidelined if he falls to Te Huna. Before jumping on the bandwagon, it’s important to consider the big picture. Rua’s loss to Chael Sonnen was definitely a shock, but prior to that he went the distance with Alexander Gustafsson who gave champ Jon Jones the biggest test of his career earlier this year. His other stumbles in the UFC have come to Jones, former champ Forrest Griffin (who he beat badly in the rematch), Lyoto Machida (in an extremely controversial decision and who he also smashed in their second scrap), and Dan Henderson (in a Fight of the Year that could have easily gone his way on the scorecards). To say he’s washed up at this point is a bit premature, though clearly Rua is no longer the world-beater he once was due to the level of competition he’s facing and the physical toll his career has taken on his body. Te Huna hits hard and has a lot of heart, but as long as Rua is truly healthy going into their tilt he should have no problem finding a way to finish him. / PREDICTION: Mauricio Rua def. James Te Huna via TKO (PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Mark Hunt (9-8) vs. Antonio Silva (18-5)

Silva may have a six-inch height advantage on Hunt but size only counts to a certain extent. In reality, Silva’s never been able to eat punches like Hunt, and he’s absolutely at risk of being knocked out when the two cross paths tonight. The only way “Bigfoot” wins is if he abandons his stand-up and uses his girth along with grappling to ground Hunt. Otherwise, the big Brazilian is going to eat a shot at some point sending him down to the canvas. / PREDICTION: Mark Hunt def. Antonio Silva via Knockout (PHOTO CREDIT: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports)

A cold snap is sweeping across the United States today, giving MMA fans plenty of reason to bundle up on their couches tonight to catch some excellent in-Octagon action. UFC Fight Night 33 is scheduled to unfold this evening in Australia and should provide a high dose of entertainment thanks to the slew of scrappers attached to the event. The festivities are headlined by heavyweights Antonio Silva-Mark Hunt and also feature notable names like Pat Barry, Ryan Bader, and Mauricio Rua. Here’s a look at how the show’s main card may unfold…